Bonnaroo & Outside Lands Co-Founder Jonathan Mayers, Dies at 51

Jonathan Mayers, a visionary in the realm of music festivals, passed away at the age of 51, marking a significant loss for the entertainment industry. As a prominent figure and co-founder of Superfly Entertainment, Mayers was instrumental in shaping renowned festivals such as Bonnaroo and Outside Lands. His profound impact on the festival landscape in the United States cannot be overstated, as he set the benchmark for modern music festival experiences that seamlessly blend diverse genres with immersive fan interactions.

Mayers’ journey began in New Orleans, where he cultivated his passion for music while working at iconic venues such as Tipitina’s and the Jazz Fest. In 1996, a year after graduating from Tulane University, he co-founded Superfly Entertainment with Rick Farman, Kerry Black, and Richard Goodstone. Their first venture involved organizing concerts in the vibrant backdrop of Mardi Gras, paving the way for larger endeavors. This culminated in the creation of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in 2002 on a sprawling farm in Manchester, Tennessee. Bonnaroo quickly became a pioneering model for modern music festivals, attracting vast audiences and featuring headliners like Phish, further solidifying the festival’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

Expanding beyond Bonnaroo, Mayers’ Superfly also introduced Vegoose in Las Vegas and Outside Lands in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The latter, launched in 2008, soon grew into the largest independently owned music festival in the country, emphasizing not just music, but also the unique San Francisco vibe with food, wine, and cannabis experiences. Mayers’ knack for innovation extended beyond music festivals; he authored interactive experiences based on popular television shows like *Friends* and *Seinfeld*, creating sets that allowed fans to immerse themselves in their beloved series.

However, Mayers’ dynamic career was not without its challenges. In 2021, he parted ways with Superfly following internal conflicts with his co-founders, which eventually led to a lawsuit over the valuation of his shares—a legal battle that was dismissed in 2023. Despite leaving Superfly, Mayers continued to make strides through the Core City Detroit project, dedicating his efforts to revitalizing Detroit’s music scene by investing in a campus for local artists and events.

Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, with colleagues highlighting Mayers’ creative brilliance and influence. Dayglo Presents founder Peter Shapiro described him as a “visionary” who redefined the possibilities of music festivals. Statements from Red Light Management founder Coran Capshaw echoed this sentiment, underscoring Mayers’ role as a creative force whose contributions left an indelible mark on the festival landscape.

Jonathan Mayers’ legacy is built upon his ability to innovate and adapt, principles that now guide the structure of music festivals in the modern era. With Bonnaroo and other festivals proceeding in his absence, his pioneering spirit and passion for the craft continue to resonate. As we remember his remarkable contributions, the music and festival sectors reflect on an era forged by his creativity, one that will inspire future innovators to push boundaries as he did.